New Rotel gear - RMB-1095 vs. 2 x RP-1080

[esalaws]

I am new to this forum. On Firday I picked up my first Rotel gear, consisting of RSP-1098, RB-1090 and - it should have been RMB-1095 - but since my dealer was out of stock, I ended up with 2 x RB-1080 instead (which I of course can return when they'l get the 1095 back in stock).

I am a little in doubt. I don't-not at time being-need the 7 channels, since I am running 5.1 (have never succeeded with 7.1 set-up). But one never know.

My question is therefore if anybody out there have had the possibilty to make comparsions between the 1095 and 2 x 1080's? Even with similare watts, do the pruduce similare sound quality? Any other differences?

Thank you in advance for your advices.

Eskild A.

[Dmantis]

I'm very intrested in this.

I say see if your dealer will allow you to do it in your home. That would be sweet.

Personally I'm going 1095 over the 1075. 5 channel 1095 is alittle weaker in the dampening factor. Dynamic range gotta be different as well. The 1080 must have better dynamics. When Comparing the 1070 to the 1075 , it's a big difference. I assume it will be the same here.

mantis

[hired goon]

G'day,

Check out this thread, where I asked about using a 1095, or 3 x 1080. Some comparsions were made of the relative performance of the 1095 vs the 1080, such as in imaging, etc.

--Geoff

[esalaws]

1090 + 1095 vs 2 x 1080

Well, after some listening; I really preferr the 2 x 1080's compared to the 1095 (I'm not dependent of 7.1. I manage very well with 5.1). The 1080's as they sound to me, are; more clean and powerfull in all ranges.
However, my setup is: JBL Ti10K front L & R. TiCenter, Ti2K in the back L & R.
Sub: 2 x Velodyne 10' DD.
Projector: Marantz VP 12-S3
Screen: Stewart 100' (4 x 3 ') (Enough to look at 16 x 9' in size big enough).
Cables: A lot of them, and expensive too; - not so interesting as the other gears.

Eskild A.

[Joseki]

I have done this exact comparison. Paired with the 1090 and used primarily for surround/center duty, I think that the 1080's are better. These are 2-ch amps designed for music playback. You have two separate power supplies and each pair of channels is totally isolated from the others. In terms of sound quality, I prefer the 1095 slightly - but you would literally have to A-B them to be aware of any difference. The 1080 is a bit drier than the 1095. But you have to have a very critical ear to hear it.

You can't go wrong either way, but I think that the dual 1080's is the better choice.

Just my .02

David